Top 10: Best-Selling EVs in the UK

The UK is one of a number of countries witnessing a major shift in propulsion, and interaction between consumers and their cars. 

With more digital advancements occurring industry-wide, the market is rapidly accelerating its shift from fossil fuels to work with a new era of power. 

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is an organisation committed to supporting this transition and ensuring awareness is created to enable buy-in from governments and input from consumers. With this, more electric vehicles (EVs) are available than ever before, and here are the Top 10: Best-Selling EVs in the UK—based on 2022 figures. 

10. Audi Q4 e-tron

Registrations: 6,594

Company CEO: Markus Duesmann

The Q4 e-tron SUV leads Audi’s EV ramp-up, offering luxury and practicality for families. Positioned between Q3 and Q5 SUVs, it balances affordability (as far as luxury SUVs go) with refinement. Built on Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, shared with the ID.3 and ID.4 models, as well as the Skoda Enyaq and Cupra Born, it retains Audi’s trademark luxury. 

The car was recognised in the Auto Express 2021 Premium Electric Car of the Year award as a top-tier choice for an electric SUV. 

9. BMW i4

Registrations: 6,699

Company CEO: Oliver Zipse

The inaugural, all-electric Gran Coupé, the BMW i4 seamlessly blends cutting-edge performance and contemporary luxuries to present an exceptional driving experience. Showcasing advanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the BMW i4 M50 boasts a power output equating to 544hp while the eDrive40 is a model with a higher range, reaching 365 miles. Alongside the roomy interior, the i4 promptly became an important EV in this space. 

8. MG5 EV

Registrations: 7,030

The MG5 EV Long Range represents the second generation of the renowned, award-winning fully-electric estate car. With a remarkable range of up to 250 miles and the ability to accommodate up to 1367 litres of cargo, the MG5 EV Long Range now features a 10.25" colour touchscreen, the MG iSMART user app for tracking vehicle status and arranging charging, along with the inclusion of a 360-degree Parking Camera on the flagship Trophy Long Range edition.

The car is also equipped with the MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which supports the driver with active emergency braking, lane keep assist and departure warning, traffic jam assistance, speed limit assist, and adaptive cruise control.  

7. Polestar 2  

Registrations: 7,345

Company CEO: Thomas Ingenlath

The Polestar brand, led by Thomas Ingenlath, echoes many of the design principles in its sister brand Volvo—bringing an air of premium quality and minimalism at the same time. The company has recently made some amendments to the Polestar 2 to bring it even further into the future, adjusting the drivetrain to allow rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive—instead of the previous front-wheel drive system. 

Alongside this, the smart panel is the latest technology feature added to new versions of the car with a camera built in to enable even more intuitive driving. 

6. Mini Electric 

Registrations: 7,425 

Company Director: Federico Izzo

The MINI Electric hatchback is a renowned ‘feel-good’ vehicle, which echoes the brand's history as a small car maker. It benefits from both the thrill and efficiency of a hatchback with fully electric propulsions, achieving 0 - 62 mph in 7.3 seconds. The MINI Electric, with its 145-mile range, ensures you reach your destinations effortlessly. 

5. Nissan Leaf

Registrations: 9,178

Company CEO: Makoto Uchida

Somewhat known as the ‘OG’, the Nissan Leaf has been massively refined since its founding model was released. Loaded with cutting-edge Intelligent Driving technologies such as e-Pedal and ProPILOT Assist, this Nissan LEAF showcases the forefront of innovation. As an all-electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF exemplifies Nissan Intelligent Mobility's intelligent and sustainable approach, enhancing your sense of connectivity, confidence, and control.

4. Volkswagen ID.3

Registrations: 9,832 

Company CEO: Oliver Blume

The ID.3 is a major component of Volkswagen’s electrification and a popular choice among consumers. Its exterior boasts clean lines that bestow a more refined appearance upon the ID.3, while the interior is tastefully adorned with premium materials. An array of driver assistance mechanisms are available, providing valuable support and safety.

Harnessing the MEB platform, the ID.3 arrives complete with integrated ID. Software. This software enhances charging capabilities, encompassing features like Plug & Charge, and ensures that your ID.3 remains current through post-purchase upgrades.

3. Kia e-Niro

Registrations: 11,197 

Company CEO: Paul Philpott

The Kia e-Niro stands as one of the premier electric vehicles currently available, harmonising impressive range, robust performance, and commendable levels of comfort and sophistication. Kia asserts a remarkable range of 282 miles—an attainable achievement with a gentle driving approach.

The e-Niro shares almost identical foundations to the Hyundai Kona Electric, but takes the lead as a practical vehicle that is suitable for British drivers. 

2. Tesla Model 3 

Registrations: 19,071

Company CEO: Elon Musk 

The Model 3 is perhaps one of the most recognisable EVs by one of the industry's top-performing manufacturers. Tesla also boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating across all required categories and provides drivers with the electric car design and feel that consumers know and love. 

With a range of 374 miles (WLTP), the Tesla Model 3 can also achieve a 15-minute recharge to 172 miles, and its driver has access to more than 45,000 Supercharger units worldwide.  

1. Tesla Model Y

Registrations: 35,551

Company CEO: Elon Musk 

Tesla’s Model Y brings similar great performance with more utility as a larger, SUV model EV. The car comes with gull-wing doors that enable easier access to the rear seats, making it a more-than-capable EV for a small family of five. 

The Tesla Model Y overtook the sales of its previously favoured Model 3 due to its competitive pricing and desirable on-board technologies.  

******

Further insights can be found on our website or click here to receive our newsletter with a constant feed of new stories every week. 

EV Magazine is dedicated to creating a global community of businesses, experts, and EV enthusiasts with comprehensive insights into automotive and the surrounding sectors.

For more EV insights check out the latest edition of EV Magazine and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn & Twitter.

You may also be interested in Sustainability Magazine and Energy Digital Magazine. 

Please also check out our upcoming event - Sustainability LIVE in London on September 6-7 2023.

BizClik is a global provider of B2B digital media platforms that cover Executive Communities for CEOs, CFOs, CMOs, Sustainability Leaders, Procurement & Supply Chain Leaders, Technology & AI Leaders, Cyber Leaders, FinTech & InsurTech Leaders as well as covering industries such as Manufacturing, Mining, Energy, EV, Construction, Healthcare + Food & Drink.

BizClik – based in London, Dubai, and New York – offers services such as Content Creation, Advertising & Sponsorship Solutions, Webinars & Events.

This article claims no exact science. Data is provided as a guide and may have changed since publication.